Arizona's quarterback -- an MVP candidate just weeks ago -- fell to pieces against Carolina, throwing four interceptions and losing a pair of fumbles.

"I kept digging us in a hole," Palmer said, per the New York Post. "I was definitely forcing it. Coming out in the second half, down multiple touchdowns, you've got to make something happen and I didn't make it happen."

Palmer's meltdown had plenty to do with Carolina's gaggle of ball-hawking defenders, who confused the Cardinals quarterback and erased his lineup of playmaking receivers.

"They can do it all," Palmer said of the Panthers. "Their linebackers are as good as you'll see. The pass rush is really good. They're good inside."

Gracious words from a quarterback who, at 36, knows how challenging it will be to return to this spot next year. Almost everything went right for the Cardinals this season, and it wasn't enough.

"There's nothing like adversity to fuel the fire," said Palmer. "Staring over at that sidelines, that's going to stick with me for probably the rest of my life."